How Did Vidarbha Strengthen Their Position in the Irani Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vidarbha leads by 224 runs at the end of Day Three.
- Yash Thakur took crucial wickets, finishing with 4 for 66.
- Rajat Patidar top-scored for Rest of India with 66 runs.
- Vidarbha’s batting depth remains strong heading into Day Four.
Nagpur, Oct 3 (NationPress) Vidarbha has solidified their position in the Irani Cup by achieving an impressive first-innings lead of 128 runs and extending it to 224 against the Rest of India as the third day concluded at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, on Friday.
Starting the day at 142 for 5 in reply to Vidarbha’s total of 342, the Rest of India faced an immediate setback when Aditya Thakare made an impact with the first delivery of the day. Manav Suthar was pinned lbw, with Vidarbha successfully overturning the umpire’s not-out call upon review.
Yash Thakur dominated the morning session, claiming two quick wickets – bowling Saransh Jain with a stunning yorker and dismissing Akash Deep, who was caught at cover.
The Rest of India captain Rajat Patidar, who resumed at 42, battled fiercely with a stylish innings that included ten boundaries. He reached 66 before being dismissed as the second-to-last wicket, attempting to clear long-off against Harsh Dubey.
Thakur concluded the innings by removing the final batter, finishing with figures of 4 for 66. The Rest of India was bowled out for 214, granting Vidarbha a crucial first-innings lead of 128.
In reply, Vidarbha’s opening pair Atharva Taide and Aman Mohkade set a solid foundation with a steady 42-run partnership. However, Taide fell to deep midwicket off Suthar, while Mohkade was dismissed for 37 in the 24th over, caught behind while attempting to hook Gurnoor Brar.
With the score at 64 for 2, Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar stabilized Vidarbha's innings, guiding them to stumps without further loss. The duo added 32 runs, bringing the score to 96 for 2, leaving Vidarbha in a commanding position with an overall lead of 224 runs and eight wickets still in hand heading into day four.
Brief scores:
Vidarbha 342 & 96/2 in 36 overs (Aman Mokhade 37, Dhruv Shorey 34*; Gurnoor Brar 1-11) lead Rest of India 214 all out in 69.5 overs (Rajat Patidar 66, Abhimanyu Easwaran 52; Yash Thakur 4-66) by 224 runs.